false
OasisLMS
zh-CN,en,fr,de,ja,es
Catalog
35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
Description of an Emergency Department-Based Peer ...
Description of an Emergency Department-Based Peer Model for Patients with SUD
Back to course
Pdf Summary
This study describes an Emergency Department (ED)-based Peer Support Specialist (Peer) model aimed at improving care for patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). ED visits related to SUD have risen sharply over the last decade, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, while fewer than 20% of those affected receive evidence-based treatment. Given high patient volumes and limited subspecialty resources, ED settings require more comprehensive SUD management strategies. Peers, individuals with lived experience, can enhance continuity of care and overdose safety.<br /><br />The retrospective study analyzed data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham ED between July 2023 and June 2024, covering 1269 encounters with 1063 unique patients. Peers provided services 16 hours daily and were engaged through clinician prompts, research team initiation, and nursing screening using the NIDA single-question substance use screener. Peer services included shared life experience, recovery planning, social and health resource provision, and establishing ongoing contact.<br /><br />Key findings showed no significant differences in ED recidivism by gender, race, or age, but patients with private insurance, hospital admission, and younger than 24 were less likely to return within 30 or 90 days. Negative social determinants of health—such as public insurance, non-permanent housing, psychiatric comorbidities, and discharge from ED—were associated with higher recidivism rates. These results underscore the importance of addressing social factors and psychiatric conditions to reduce repeat ED utilization.<br /><br />The study supports the feasibility of integrating Peers into EDs for enhanced social service guidance. Using the NIDA screener allows efficient patient identification for Peer support. However, limitations include a single-site design, non-24/7 Peer availability, and reliance on Peers for data entry. Further research is needed to evaluate how Peer engagement influences readmissions, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.<br /><br />In conclusion, the Peer model presents a promising approach for bridging treatment gaps in SUD patients in emergency settings by addressing social determinants and linking patients to comprehensive care.
Keywords
Emergency Department
Peer Support Specialist
Substance Use Disorder
ED recidivism
NIDA substance use screener
Social determinants of health
Psychiatric comorbidities
Recovery planning
Hospital admission
Patient outcomes
×